male climber in gym

Staff

  • David "Yogi" Sam

    Setter
    Assistant Head Route Setter

    Yogi was born and raised in Seattle, WA. He never did a single sport activity until he joined Stone Gardens in 2015. Since then he has been grateful climbing the ranks of the industry as much as he enjoys climbing the boulders. Aside from climbing, he loves sitting on the couch playing video games.

  • Joel Sheppard

    Setter
    Route Setter

    With over 14 years of experience and countless hours spent honing his craft, Joel is a seasoned professional in the world of route setting. As one of the most tenured members of our team, he draws his inspiration both from cutting edge comp climbs and from his favorite outdoor zones, such as Rocklands ZA, Squamish BC, Hueco Tanks TX, and Index, WA.

    When Joel is not busy putting up climbs in the gym, he can be found playing music, woodworking, metalworking, or developing new climbs on the perfect granite boulders west of the cascades.

    What really matters though are the climbs, and Joel’s routes slap! So next time you are climbing at Edgeworks Bellevue, treat yourself to some of the best climbs we have to offer.

  • Matthew Sherrard

    Setter
    Forerunner

    Matthew is very passionate about climbing and has a creative mind when considering the setting aspect of climbing. He started climbing in 2020 and considers himself to be a V10 climber. He loves climbing outdoors at Squamish, BC and Leavenworth, WA.

  • Charles "Charlie" Simental

    Setter
    Route Setter

    USAC Route SetterHey Everybody! You can call me Charlie if you like. Charlie came all the way from Houston Texas to come set routes because it's one of the best jobs in the world. He is mainly a boulder because with ropes he has no endurance whatsoever. You can ask him about anime, chess, or climbing (it's the best).

    Certifications / Qualifications:
    USAC Level 1 Route Setter

  • Brad Szlezak

    Office
    Operations Manager

    Brad does not climb to hunt grades but climbs for the friendships and exploring new areas. His top two favorite places he has climbed are Horse Pens 40 in Alabama and Jackson Falls, Illinois. Typically, you will find Brad on ropes but he does occasionally boulder as well. Outside of climbing, Brad likes to hunt, fish, surf, mountain bike, garden and most of all spend time with Family.